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. 2018 Jul 11;2(2):igy016.
doi: 10.1093/geroni/igy016. eCollection 2018 Jun.

Effects of Sequential Participation in Evidence-Based Health and Wellness Programs Among Older Adults

Shinduk Lee  1   2 , Matthew Lee Smith  1   3   4 , Samuel D Towne Jr  1   2   5 , Marcia G Ory  1   2   3
Affiliations

Effects of Sequential Participation in Evidence-Based Health and Wellness Programs Among Older Adults

Shinduk Lee et al. Innov Aging. .

Abstract

Background and objectives: Evidence suggests participation in evidence-based programs by older adults is effective, yet most studies focus on participation in a single evidence-based program, leaving repeated participation insufficiently understood. We aimed to compare participation in multiple evidence-based programs (repeaters) versus a single evidence-based program (nonrepeaters).

Research design and methods: Secondary data analysis was conducted on pre-post longitudinal data targeting older adults participating in evidence-based program(s) in Texas (2013-2016). Surveys included sociodemographic and health-related indicators (e.g., self-rated health, health behaviors, and falls-risks). Mixed-effects models examined pre-post changes in health-related indicators.

Results: Of the 734 study-eligible participants, 145 (20%) participated in two or more evidence-based programs. The participants' average age was 74 years, and the majority was female (80%), non-Hispanic White (79%), or lived in urban or large rural cities/towns (79%). At baseline, repeaters reported less depressive symptomology (p = .049), fewer chronic conditions (p = .048), and less concern of falling (p = .030) than nonrepeaters. Repeaters had better workshop attendance and completion rates (p < .001). Compared to nonrepeaters, repeaters showed significantly-better improvements in communication with physicians (p = .013).

Discussion and implications: Study findings suggest potential benefits of participation in multiple evidence-based program workshops, but repeaters may have different health profiles than nonrepeaters in natural settings. Future evaluations should consider participants' past participations in evidence-based programs. Further research is needed to build more comprehensive evidence about the incremental benefits of participation in multiple evidence-based programs.

Keywords: Evidence-based programs; Lifestyle interventions; Program evaluation; Repeated participation; Translational research.

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